What causes Addisons disease?
• Autoimmune disorders: This is the most common cause of Addison’s disease. The immune system is your body’s defense system against infection and diseases. A problem with your immune system may make your body attack its own cells, including your adrenal glands. When this happens, the cells that make the adrenal hormones are damaged. • Cancer metastasis: Cancer cells from other organs such as the lungs can spread to your adrenal glands and cause damage. • Genetic conditions: You may have been born with genes that cause damage to your adrenal glands. A gene is a little piece of information that tells your body what to do or make. Ask your caregiver for more information about the genetic disorders that may cause the condition. • Infections: These include fungal disorders, tuberculosis, and infections that happen more often with AIDS. Ask your caregiver for information on other infections which may cause the condition. • Surgery: Surgery done to remove one or both of your adrenal glands ma
